Ecology and VulnerabilityWild Turkey

Background
The wild turkey is a forest species that has made a tremendous comeback from near extirpation (local extinction) throughout much of its geographic range.1... Read More

Background
The wild turkey is a forest species that has made a tremendous comeback from near extirpation (local extinction) throughout much of its geographic range.1 This rebound was accomplished through reintroductions, habitat management, and game management laws. Today, wild turkeys have reclaimed much of their former range, continue to spread into new areas, such as suburban environments, and are now commonly seen in most of Massachusetts.

Climate Impacts
Wild turkeys appear to be limited by winter weather conditions, including snow depth1,2 and low temperatures3. Severe winters may result in mortality rates as high as 88% among smaller females2. In addition, severe winters reduce egg hatching success4. Factors associated with severe winters can result in substantial declines in turkey populations1,4. Further, deep snows provide a physical impediment to turkeys, reducing their ability to walk and exploit food resources2. In Massachusetts, woodlands located at the highest elevations are unoccupied by wild turkeys due to winter severity and snow depth5.

Some researchers2 noted that turkey responses to winter conditions may explain the wide variation in population size across the range, from threatened to ‘pestilential’ (in some places they are now so common that many people consider them a pest because turkeys can get into gardens or act aggressively during the breeding season). Given the above characteristics, it seems likely that milder winters in Massachusetts will be favorable for turkey populations. Additionally, increases in population sizes seem likely, given the growth in both numbers and distribution that has been seen in many parts of the country.